Nov.23 (GMM) Ross Brawn has shot down intensifying speculation that Michael Schumacher is set to return to formula one in 2010.

Brawn, who was Ferrari's technical director throughout Schumacher's ultra-successful career with the Italian team, is now boss of Mercedes GP.

Rumours linking Schumacher with the recently renamed team continued to grow over the weekend, when his manager Willi Weber confirmed a meeting in Abu Dhabi three weeks ago between the 40-year-old, Brawn and Daimler chairman Dieter Zetsche.

But when asked about the speculation by Germany's Bild, Brawn replied: "There's nothing to it except a dream of the media.

"Michael would have come back temporarily for Ferrari, but he doesn't want to start a new career," said the Briton.

Schumacher's manager Weber said the German "often" speaks with Brawn, but added that the seven time world champion "has not said anything to me personally about contact with Mercedes over a driver's contract".

According to the Times, his official spokeswoman Sabine Kehm added: "I still think it is unlikely, but you never know."